GCSE Maths: Useful tips for students

Before the exam

Be confident: you have worked hard and this is your opportunity: Let’s Go!

Check your exam equipment and calculator a few days beforehand so you have time to replace any missing items

Keep to your normal routine

Ensure you are hydrated and eat breakfast before the exam

Leave time so you arrive at school in time.

Outside the exam

Don't be distracted by students talking about topics: there’s often someone worrying about a topic that won’t come up

Box breathing can be a good way to focus energy before an exam

During the exam

1. Read: Read the question carefully and highlight important parts

2. Bold: If there’s a question you’re not sure about , try it anyway. Even if you don’t complete it or get it all correct you can pick up useful marks

3. Start: With the challenging questions a good strategy is to write down what you do know already, then write what you want to know and see if you can make steps in that direction.

4. Imagine: If there’s a question with algebra in, think what you’d do for numbers and they try that with the algebra instead.

5. Label ratios

6. Steps: Write down all your steps so you get all the marks you deserve

7. Working: Do all your working on the paper and if you use any extra paper make sure it all gets handed in with your paper

8. Accuracy: Make sure you have rounded correctly

9. Answer: Check if you have answered the question asked

10. Sense: Check if your answer makes sense in the context of the question